Maryland's Board of Public Works on Wednesday abolished more than 500 state positions, a combination of vacant posts and workers who took early buyouts, expected to save $27.4 million in fiscal 2026. The move, reported by Nicole Pilsbury of Maryland Matters, reflects ongoing efforts to streamline state government.
Meanwhile, a new study reveals an uptick in disordered gambling behaviors since Maryland legalized mobile sports betting. The report, "Statewide Gambling Prevalence in Maryland: 2024," is the first since online wagering became available. Danielle Brown of Maryland Matters quotes problem gambling experts calling the trend "concerning" and warning it could worsen if newer forms of gambling emerge.
In energy news, the Maryland Public Service Commission has directed utilities, including Baltimore Gas and Electric, to accelerate the transition to clean energy and electric vehicles. According to Lorraine Mirabella of The Baltimore Sun, the order aims to strengthen grid resilience and reduce consumer costs.
Auditors from a legislative panel criticized professional oversight boards within the Maryland Department of Health for lacking accountability, with one auditor noting "no one single person" is responsible for repeated findings. Bryan Sears of Maryland Matters reports that lawmakers are considering changes to address the issue.
The developer of Maryland's only permitted offshore wind farm, US Wind, warns that the Trump administration's efforts to block the project could bankrupt the company. Adam Willis of The Baltimore Banner notes that the project off Ocean City could produce over two gigawatts of zero-emissions power but faces a lawsuit and a permit revocation request.
Maryland is set to become one of the first states to distribute "tap and go" EBT cards to nearly one million residents, aiming to curb benefit theft. Nicole Pilsbury and Pamela Wood report that the state's spending board awarded a contract worth up to $38 million to Fidelity Information Services, with new cards expected by July 1.
State police condemned a parody "challenge coin" depicting the late singer Michael Jackson embracing Governor Wes Moore, following the appointment of Sen. Michael Jackson as acting superintendent. Dan Belson of The Baltimore Sun quotes a state police spokesperson calling the coin disrespectful and unauthorized.
An investigation by Patrick Hauf of The Baltimore Sun into the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund reveals transparency gaps, with the nonprofit receiving 99% of its funding from taxpayers but refusing to explain key financial decisions.
Carroll County State's Attorney Haven Shoemaker criticized Attorney General Anthony Brown's immigration enforcement guidance, calling it a "veiled threat" to local law enforcement. Gabriella Fine of The Carroll County Times reports on the ongoing dispute.
The Frederick County Planning Commission recommended a smaller data center overlay zone than proposed, following public hearings. Marwa Barakat of The Frederick News Post covers the commission's decision to limit data center development near Adamstown.
A former Cecil County sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty to misconduct for accessing a law enforcement database without authorization. William Ford of Maryland Matters reports the deputy searched for information on seven people, including his wife.
BlackSea Technologies is building drone boats at a historic South Baltimore waterfront, aiming to produce vessels for future naval warfare. Giacomo Bologna of The Baltimore Banner highlights the shift from WWII-era supply ships to modern unmanned craft.
